Chapter 5
1219 Words
Elena's POV
There was a little silence between Luca and I the moment my father turned his back.
For a moment, Luca stood and watched Papa walk off as if waiting for him to call him, and then he glanced at me, deciding to initiate a conversation.
“So,” he said, “how was America?”
“America?” I repeated. “It was wonderful."
“Did you enjoy college?” He asked.
“Oh absolutely. Harper, Chloe, and I basically terrorized half the state with our partying.” I said and he chuckled.
“That sounds… lively.” He said.
“Oh, lively doesn’t even begin to cover it.” I leaned closer, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “One time we got into this fight at a frat party and the police had to step in. We spent a whole day in the cell before our guardians stepped in.”
Luca stood in disbelief, amused by my story and I swore him to secrecy.
“And you’re not telling my father that. Ever.” I said, pointing at him.
“I swear on my left foot.” He crossed a hand over his chest.
"Your left foot?"
"It's my favorite."
I burst out laughing, covering my mouth as Dad turned to looked at the both of us, wondering what was going on.
I like his sense of humor.
A beat passed and then I nudged him with my elbow.
“Okay, my turn. Tell me about you.”
“About… me?” He blinked like I’d handed him a bomb.
“Yes, you. Since you’ll be glued to my side for the foreseeable future, I think it’s only fair that I know who my new bodyguard is.”
He let's out a laugh and then went on to tell me his story.
“My uncle raised me,” he said quietly. “Since I was a child.”
“What happened to your parents?”
“They died in a car accident." His gaze softened as he answered. "I was very young and I barely remember them.”
“I’m so sorry.” I said softly and he shrugged gently.
“My uncle practically became my father." Luca continued. "He became my everything: father, mother, teacher and mentor. He’s the reason I’m the man I am today. He taught me everything I know.”
“Aww..that’s sweet.” I said softly.
He went on talking after that, telling me some stories and some adventures he had with his uncle and my mind wandered as I became to admire him— I was even biting into my nail as I started fantasizing about him, wondering how he would make me feel arching under him.
I hadn't realized I was staring until his voice broke through my reverie.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” He asked, smirking knowingly.
“Because it’s your fault for being hot.” I answered without a second thought and his eyes widened slightly — as if no one had ever said it to his face in such a blunt, shameless way.
“You’re… bold.” His mouth curved into a slow, undeniably smug smile and then went on to compliment me.
“You're beautiful as well, I must admit." He said casually. "I really like your lips."
“Oh." I said teasingly as I felt him putting his game cap on and I managed to take a step closer to him.
“And I like your lip gloss.” He added suddenly and asked: "Is the sweet kind I've been hearing about all over the news?"
“Why don't you come closer and find out?" I said seductively as I leaned closer towards him and I could tell he definitely wanted to.
And just then—
“Elena, cara!”
Papa's booming voice shattered the moment and I practically jumped away from Luca, hoping he hadn't seen us flirting.
Papa slipped his phone back into his pocket and came closer.
“Now,” he said, “where were we?”
“Uh—” I blurted. “We were… talking about the welcome party. Right, Luca?”
“Yes, sir.” Luca nodded politely and Papa clapped his hands once.
“Ah! Good." He said.
"Who and who will be there, Papa?" I asked.
"Your aunts will be there." He answered. "And your uncles, cousins, and some of my old friends. Even your favorite cousin Maria will be around!” He added.
I let out the world’s most dramatic groan as I heard Maria's name and Papa laughed.
“Come now, she’s not that bad.” He said playfully.
“She's my worst enemy." I said to Papa. "She once cut all the hair off my Barbie doll and I still haven't forgiven her.” I deadpanned.
“You cut off the hair on her doll first.” Papa reminded me.
“Yes, but she started it!”
“I recall it differently.” Papa said and I gasped.
“Papa, you betray me.”
Luca stood smiling at the spectacle as he watched me go on about how much Maria and I hated each other.
Papa went on trying to remind me that Maria and I once were bestfriend and tried to get me to forgive her.
“And remember,” Papa continued proudly, “there was that time you two painted my car pink.”
“We were six!” I protested.
“And you were very creative.” Papa said, patting my cheek affectionately.
“Creative is not the word.” I muttered and Papa turned to Luca with a grin.
“My daughter and Maria fought like wildcats growing up. One time when she was five—”
“Papa, no—”
“—she chased Maria across the garden because Maria told her she looked like a potato in pigtails.”
Luca burst into sudden laughter and I stared at him, betrayed.
“Et tu, Luca?” I said, not realizing I had switched to French.
“I’m sorry.” He said, wiping the corner of his eye, still grinning. “A potato?”
"Yes, a potato.” Papa beamed proudly and I groaned into my hands.
Papa continued his storytelling streak, animated as ever.
He mimicked tiny-child-me and also mimicked Maria as he acted out the entire scene like an overexcited theater performer.
Even Luca had to turn away a few times because he was laughing too hard.
Finally, Papa checked his watch and decided to end the conversation about Maria and I.
“Alright, alright." He said. “You must go get ready now Elena. The party starts soon.”
“Fine.” I sighed like a child. “I’ll get going.”
I started to walk away and then paused for a moment looking back at Luca as a thought struck my mind.
“Luca will walk me upstairs.” I said quickly and Papa’s eyebrow lifted, amused.
“Already getting familiar with your bodyguard, eh?”
“Yes.” I said proudly. “Very.”
“Go on, then.” Papa chuckled.
I reached back, caught Luca’s wrist, and tugged, pulling him along as I walked.
“Come on.” I said, grinning up at him. “Let’s go.”
- Writer
